GPA EDC contract up for renewal

Peterborough City Hall

(PETERBOROUGH) The City of Peterborough is looking to set some goals and objectives in its new contract with the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation.
The agency’s contract with the City is up for renewal by the end of the year. A presentation will be made to the committee of the whole Monday night (Dec. 3).
Also on the committee of the whole agenda:
• The City is dealing with a $862,655 shortfall in funding from the Province for after it combined several services into the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative. City staff are recommending $350,000 be added to the 2013 Social Services budget.
• The City is looking to give the former food bank property at 263 Simcoe St. to Seven Hills Developments for free, with the condition that 30 publicly accessible parking spaces be maintained by the company.
The City purchased the site in 2007 for $160,000 with a large portion of the price used to pay back taxes. The demolition cost was about $160,000 as well.
The parking lot land and construction is valued at $300,000.
Seven Hills also owns the neighbouring property that was formerly Albert’s scrap yard.
• Restricting the smoking of water pipes is up for debate with the city. Proposed restrictions would include: prohibiting it in enclosed public spaces and patios; prohibit smoking or holding lit tobacco within nine metres of any entrance, exit, or air intake of 70 Simcoe Street; and only smoking would be allowed in the designated smoking area at Del Crary Park.
• Councillors will consider spending $2,573,000 to build a new storage facility for Peterborough Museum and Archives.
The museum has been at capacity for some time.
Previously, council considered leasing space for a cost of nearly $2 million over 15 years.
• The continuation of camping at Beavermead Park is being recommended, but City staff are recommending looking into alternative uses for the property and will bring forward a report some time in 2013 with those options.
In the meantime, it’s recommended that the $100,000 approved in 2012 and $200,0000 recommended for 2013 for capital projects be frozen until the options are considered.